Sri Lanka is rich in history and culture, with many ancient temples and religious sites that reflect its deep spiritual heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, culture buff, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient temples is sure to be a highlight of your travels. In this article, we take a closer look at some of Sri Lanka’s top religious sites, including their history, significance, and what you can expect to see and experience when you visit. We’ll also provide practical information on how to plan your visit, including the best time to travel, what to pack and how to get there.
Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the holiest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Located in Kandy, it is said to enshrine the tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists.
The temple is a fine example of traditional Sri Lankan architecture, with intricate carvings and colorful murals adorning the walls. Visitors can explore the various shrines and halls within the temple complex, including the main shrine room where tooth relics are stored. The tooth relic is said to have been preserved in Sri Lanka for over 1,300 years and is considered one of the country’s most important religious relics.
The best time to visit the temple is during the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, an annual festival held in July or August. During the festival, a grand procession is held, and the statue is decorated and paraded through the streets of Kandy, leading to the temple.
To reach the temple, visitors can take a bus or train to Kandy, then take a tuk-tuk or walk to the temple. The temple is open daily and there is a small entry fee. It should be noted that the temple has a strict dress code, so it is recommended to dress modestly and cover shoulders and legs.
Visitors should also know that the temple is an active religious site and it is important to show respect and be aware of local customs when visiting. This includes taking off your shoes before entering the temple, and not taking photos or videos of certain parts of the temple.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as Dambulla Golden Temple, is located in central Sri Lanka and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex consists of a series of five caves, each containing intricate and well-preserved wall paintings and Buddha statues.
The largest of the five caves, known as the Great Cave, is the most impressive, containing a large number of statues and frescoes. There is a 15-meter-long reclining Buddha in the cave, as well as many standing and sitting Buddhas. The wall paintings in the caves depict scenes from the life of the Buddha as well as stories from the Jatakas.
The other four caves contain a smaller number of statues and wall paintings but are no less impressive. For example, the second cave has a statue of Buddha in the mudra of “Calling Earth to Witness”, a particularly powerful and emotional image.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the best-preserved and most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. This is a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or ancient art, and a great place to learn about the island’s history and culture. The temple complex is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and requires a small entrance fee to enter. Best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock, is one of the most popular and iconic historical sites in Sri Lanka. Located in the Matale district of Central Province, the fort is a massive rock formation that rises 200 meters (660 ft) above the surrounding landscape. The rock is home to an ancient palace complex built by King Kashyapa I in the 5th century AD.
The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest architectural and engineering feats of the ancient world. Visitors can climb the steep stairs to the top of the rock, where they will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, they’ll also see the remains of the palace complex, including the famous Lion’s Gate, carved into the rock face and the only remnant of the giant lion that once guarded the entrance.
The fort also boasts a collection of wall paintings believed to be the oldest surviving examples of secular art in Sri Lanka. The paintings depict women in various poses and are thought to have been created for the pleasure of King Kassapa and his court.
Sigiriya is considered one of the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka and is best visited during the dry season between December and March. It is recommended to start climbing in the early morning to avoid high temperature and crowds. The climb can be challenging and steep in places, so it’s important to wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an ancient city located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the most important religious and cultural sites on the island. The city was the capital of Sri Lanka during the Anuradhapura Kingdom (377 BC to 1017 AD) and is known for its rich history and well-preserved archaeological remains.
One of the most famous sights in Anuradhapura is the Sri Maha Bodhi, also known as the Sacred Bo Tree. This sacred fig tree is believed to be a direct descendant of the tree from which Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is said to be over 2,300 years old and is believed to be one of the oldest surviving human-planted trees in the world. Tourists can pay their respects to the tree and walk around the temple to see the many stupas and monasteries built around it.
Another important attraction in Anuradhapura is the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, also known as the Great Stupa. Constructed by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC, this massive structure over 120 feet tall is considered one of the holiest Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka. Visitors can climb the multiple levels of the stupa to view the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the stupa.
Anuradhapura is also home to several other important religious and historical sites including Thuparama Stupa, Isurumuniya Temple and Jetavanarama Stupa. Tourists can explore these sites and learn about the rich history and culture of ancient Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best visited during the dry season between December and March. The city is well connected and visitors can easily reach it by bus or train from nearby towns.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many well-preserved ancient temples and ruins. Founded in the 11th century AD, the city was the capital of the Chola and Sinhala kingdoms for centuries.
One of the most famous temples in Polonnaruwa is Gal Viharaya, a rock temple housing four large Buddha images carved from granite. Standing over 14 feet tall, the statues are considered the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. Visitors can also see the remains of the royal palace, the main hall and the lotus bath, a large pond with intricate carvings and statues.
Another important temple in Polonnaruwa is Parakrama Samudra, a large artificial lake built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century AD. The lake is surrounded by a number of temples and shrines, including Lankatilaka Temple, a large brick temple featuring images of the Buddha. Tourists can take a boat on the lake to visit the temples and ruins located on the shore.
Polonnaruwa is home to several other important temples and sites, such as Vatadage, a circular relic house with intricate carvings, and Kiri Vehera, a large stupa that is one of the best preserved in Sri Lanka. The city also has many monasteries and temples dedicated to different deities, such as the Shiva Temple, which is one of the best preserved Hindu temples in Sri Lanka.
A visit to Polonnaruwa is a great way to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture, while ancient temples and ruins are a testament to the craftsmanship of the ancient Sri Lankan people. To plan a visit, it’s best to visit during the dry season, December to March, when the weather is mild and suitable for sightseeing. Visitors should also be prepared to walk, as many temples and ruins are spread over a vast area.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is a country rich in history and culture, as evidenced by its ancient temples. From Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic to the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple, these religious sites offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s past and present. The rock fortress of Sigiriya is a marvel of engineering and architectural design, while the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Anyone interested in history and culture must visit these temples, they offer a unique and enriching experience. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a unique travel experience, Sri Lanka’s ancient temples are sure to impress you.
It is worth noting that these temples are also places of worship and visitors should always respect local customs and etiquette. Therefore, it is best to dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering the temple. It’s also a good idea to bring a guide along to enhance your experience and gain a deeper understanding of the temple’s history and significance.
For anyone planning a trip to Sri Lanka, these ancient temples are not to be missed and will definitely be a highlight of the trip.